What Causes Soot Build-Up 

When using your fireplace, it is bound to create byproducts from the wood and smoke that can build up over time in your flue. As the soot builds it becomes creosote which can be very difficult to remove and dangerous to leave in the flue. Not only can creosote create a blockage in your chimney, but it is also extremely flammable and a major risk factor for chimney fires. In this blog we’ll discuss ways to minimize and remove soot and creosote in your chimney.

What exactly is Creosote?

Creosote is a byproduct of the combustible materials from your fireplace. Over time as the byproducts combine with moisture it can harden into a sticky tar-like substance called creosote.  Creosote forms in three stages:

Stage One

Stage one creosote is a flakey and loose form of byproducts that can easily be removed by a basic chimney brush. 

Stage Two

During stage two, creosote begins to thicken and becomes more difficult to remove. As the creosote hardens it takes on a more glass-like form that requires more aggressive tools used by a professional.

Stage Three

Once creosote reaches stage three it becomes a much bigger problem. By this stage it has taken on a tar-like consistency that is highly flammable and requires aggressive tools and chemicals to remove from the chimney. This stage is dangerous and should be addressed by a professional as soon as possible.

Minimizing Soot and Creosote Buildup

There are a few preventative measures you can take to help minimize the soot and creosote buildup in your chimney. Following these tips will not replace the need for regular cleanings, but it can help keep your chimney safer and more efficient between your annual maintenance appointments!

Burn the Right Wood

Burning dry, seasoned firewood can help minimize the amount of soot and creosote in your chimney due to a lack of excess moisture and smoke in your fireplace.

Learn Fire Burning Tips

Learning how to properly maintain the fire in your fireplace can help ensure not only a better, longer-lasting fire, but it can also help reduce the combustion byproducts making their way into your fireplace and flue. Be sure to burn only seasoned firewood, ensure sufficient oxygen supply to your fire, and reduce condensation by warming your flue before lighting your fire.

Keep Up with Annual Maintenance

Our best advice, keep up with your maintenance appointments. Staying on top of chimney and fireplace care is the best way to maximize your chimneys efficiency and minimize soot build up, damage, and malfunctioning chimney components.

Call Mercer County Chimney

Time for your annual cleaning? Noticing signs of a soot and creosote buildup? Mercer County Chimney is the right team for the job! Give us a call today at 609-802-5288 or contact us online to schedule your chimney cleaning and inspection appointment today.